Don't Be Mistaken! Timing, Intention Recitation, and Procedure for the Obligatory Bath for Eid al-Adha 2026
In Islamic teachings, Muslims are encouraged to purify themselves with a ritual bath before performing the Eid al-Adha prayer. Eid al-Adha 1447 AH/2026 is confirmed to fall on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.
This recommendation is mentioned in a hadith stating that bathing before Eid prayer is a sunnah muakkadah (strongly recommended practice). From Ibn Abbas RA, he said: ‘The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would bathe on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.’ (HR. Ibnu Majah)
Despite this, many still question the optimal time for the bath before Eid al-Adha. Understanding the timing, procedure, and intention is crucial for performing the ritual with devotion and completeness. Here is a detailed guide.
Guidelines for Bathing Before Eid al-Adha 2026 Prayer
According to the official announcement from the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag), Eid al-Adha 1447 AH is scheduled for Wednesday, 27 May 2026. Muslims are advised to prepare by performing the sunnah bath for Eid al-Adha to maintain cleanliness and purity.
Quoting from the book Hasyiyah al-Bajuri Volume 1 by Sheikh Ibrahim bin Muhammad bin Ahmad al-Bajuri, the ritual bath can be performed from the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah, starting from midnight until before the Eid prayer.
However, some scholars consider the best time to perform the sunnah bath is after Fajr prayer, as it is closer to the Eid prayer time. Thus, the public may perform the sunnah bath from Tuesday night, 26 May 2026, until Wednesday morning, 27 May 2026, before the Eid prayer.
Intention for Bathing Before Eid al-Adha Prayer
As cited from NU Online, reciting the intention is essential to foster devotion and ensure the bath aligns with Islamic guidelines.
The intention is:
نَوَيْتُ سُنَّةَ الْغُسْلِ لِعِيْدِ الْأَضْحَى
Nawaitu sunnatal ghusli li ’Idil Adlha
Meaning: ‘I intend to perform the sunnah bath for Eid al-Adha.’
The requirement for performing the sunnah bath before Eid al-Adha applies not only to Muslims attending the Eid prayer but also to those unable to attend, as a form of purification for the celebration.
Procedure for Bathing Before Eid al-Adha Prayer
In Islamic teachings, the procedure for the sunnah bath before Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha is generally the same. The recommended steps are:
Recite the intention
Wash both palms
Cleanse the private parts
Perform wudu as per Islamic law
Wet the head while massaging the hair until the scalp is reached
Pour water evenly over the entire body until clean
This concludes the discussion on the requirements for bathing before the Eid al-Adha prayer. We hope this information is useful, detikers!